What is a podcast?

Podcasts are episodes of a programme available on the Internet. Podcasts are usually original audio or video recordings, but can also be recorded broadcasts of a television or radio programme, a lecture, a performance, or other event.

Podcasts usually offer each episode in the same file format, such as audio or video, so that subscribers can enjoy the programme the same way each time. Some podcasts, such as language courses, include multiple file formats, such as video and documents, to teach more effectively.

For podcast listeners, podcasts are a way to enjoy great content from around the world for free. For podcast publishers, podcasts are a great way to reach a wide audience.

Apple does not directly provide podcast updates or episodes. When you subscribe to a podcast using the Podcasts app for iOS, or using iTunes on your Mac or PC, you are subscribing to the podcast updates by that particular podcast producer. With iCloud, you can synchronise your podcast subscriptions across all devices.

How can I get started with podcasts on my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch?

The Podcasts app for iOS provides easy access to popular and featured podcasts using the navigation icons at the bottom of the app.

To subscribe to a podcast, tap Subscribe on the page for that podcast. To play a podcast, tap on any episode. To download an episode, tap the iCloud icon in the episode list.

You can manage your subscriptions and play podcast episodes in My Podcasts.

How do podcasts work?

Do I need an Apple ID to listen to podcasts?

No. An Apple ID is only required if you want to make your own podcast available on the iTunes Store.

Can I subscribe to a podcast that isn’t available in the iTunes Store?

Yes. In iTunes, choose Subscribe to Podcast from the File menu and insert the podcast feed URL for that podcast. In the Podcasts app for iOS, enter the feed URL into the search field in My Podcasts.

How do I unsubscribe from a podcast?

In the Podcasts app for iOS, you can manage your podcast subscriptions in My Podcasts. Select a subscribed podcast, tap Settings, and turn off the Subscription setting.

On your Mac or PC, you can manage your podcast subscriptions in the Podcasts section of your iTunes library. Select a subscribed podcast, click the Settings gear icon, and deselect the Subscribed tickbox.

For further assistance with the Podcasts app, please see the following support articles: